Wedding Attire: To Mention Or Not On Invites?

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are differing opinions on whether attire should be mentioned. Some sources suggest that the location of the wedding usually indicates the dress code. However, others argue that it is helpful to specify the attire to ensure the event stays as formal or casual as desired. If you are set on including a dress code, there are a few places to do so: on the invitation itself, on a separate information card, or on your wedding website.

Black-tie events vs. formal attire

When it comes to wedding invitations, it is important to understand the difference between a black-tie event and formal attire. While both refer to formal, fancy attire, the term ""formal attire" is more general and gives guests a wider range of outfit options to choose from. On the other hand, "black-tie" is more specific and is generally the second most formal dress code after white tie.

Black-Tie Events

For men, black-tie events call for tuxedos with black bow ties, white shirts, and black dress shoes. The tuxedo jacket is typically black, although midnight blue is becoming an increasingly popular alternative. For women, black-tie events offer a little more versatility. While longer and more formal gowns are preferred, ladies may choose to wear various evening gowns or fancy cocktail dresses. High heels are usually the footwear of choice, paired with fine jewellery, shawls, and clutches as accessories.

Formal Attire

Formal attire is a dress code commonly used for weddings, funerals, dinners, balls, and similar events. It is more general and encompasses a wide range of outfit options.

For men, a typical formal outfit includes smart suits, dress shirts, ties, and dress shoes. A range of accessories, such as pocket squares or cufflinks, may be added. Dark colours are generally favoured, such as charcoal or navy suit jackets, although other shades may be worn as long as the overall outfit meets the formal requirements.

For women, a standard formal outfit consists of a dress. Both floor-length gowns and lighter cocktail dresses fall into this category. Blouses, dressy skirts, and dress pants are also potential choices for women at formal events. Heels or fancy flats may be worn, along with accessories such as elegant jewellery and small clutch bags.

Wording and phrasing

The wording and phrasing of your wedding invitations is an important aspect of communicating your wishes and ensuring your guests know what to expect. Here are some tips and suggestions for including attire information in your wedding invitations:

• Traditional vs. Fun and Unique Wording: You can choose to use traditional wording such as "Black Tie" or "Formal Attire" or get creative with your phrasing to match your wedding theme. For example, "Dress: No suits or tuxes required!" or "Beach Party Attire" for a beach wedding.
• Clarify the Level of Formality: If you are having a black-tie event, be clear about this on your invitations. This will help guests understand the expected level of formality. On the other hand, if you are having a more casual event, you can use phrases like "dressy casual" or "garden party attire" to indicate a more relaxed dress code.
• Provide Specific Details: If your wedding has a specific theme or dress code, consider including an enclosure card with your invitations. This can be a fun way to announce the theme and encourage guests to participate. For example, you could include a riddle or a short story that hints at the attire.
• Use Fine Print and Design Elements: The design and wording choices on your invitations can also hint at the expected attire. For a formal affair, consider using fine print options such as engraving, letterpress, or gold foil. Additionally, pay attention to the font choices and colours. Darker colours like navy, plum, or charcoal can indicate formality, while light and poppy colours may suggest a more casual event.
• Consider the Timing of Your Wedding: The time of your wedding can also impact the attire. If your wedding starts after six o'clock in the evening, guests will likely interpret this as a more formal event. On the other hand, a daytime wedding may call for more casual or semi-formal attire.
• Be Mindful of Cultural and Religious Considerations: Keep in mind any cultural or religious considerations that may impact the attire. For example, if you are having an Indian wedding, guests may need guidance on what to wear. Similarly, if your wedding has a religious theme, such as "a union in the eyes of Christ", guests may appreciate clarity on whether this influences the expected dress code.
• Provide Examples or Suggestions: Instead of just stating the dress code, consider providing examples or suggestions for attire. This can be especially helpful for guests who may be unfamiliar with different dress code terms. For instance, you could include a sentence like, "For this time of year, we suggest women wear sundresses, lightweight separates, and flats or wedge heels."
• Consistency and Clarity: Ensure that the wording of your dress code is consistent with the rest of your invitation wording. Use clear and direct phrases such as, "The dress code for our wedding is..." followed by a brief explanation and specific attire suggestions.

The invitation design

The design of your wedding invitations is a great way to give your guests an idea of the dress code for your big day. Here are some tips to help you communicate your preferred attire through your invitation design:

• Font choices and wording: The font and wording you choose for your invitations can provide subtle hints about the expected attire. For a formal event, consider using traditional etiquette guidelines, such as "request the honour of your presence" or "request the pleasure of your company". Using more than two font choices will give a more informal feel to your invitations. You could also use lowercase text for a very informal look.
• Print style: The print style you choose can also indicate formality. For a fancy celebration, consider traditional and fine print options such as engraving, letterpress, or gold foil. For a more casual affair, you might prefer a fun script or chalkboard-style print.
• Invitation colour: The colour of your invitations can also convey the formality of your event. For a formal event, dark colours such as black, navy, plum, or charcoal are typical. For a more casual event, consider using light and poppy colours, or a dark background with white font.
• Details and imagery: Adding details and imagery to your invitations can also help communicate the dress code. For example, you could include watercolour flowers for a garden wedding, a wood-textured background for a barn wedding, or a metallic border for a cocktail reception.
• Finishing touches: Finishing touches such as a wax seal, personalised belly band, or calligraphy on the envelopes can suggest a more formal affair. On the other hand, colourful envelopes, quirky envelope liners, and infographics on the details card may indicate a more casual event.

If you want to be explicit about the dress code, you can include it in the lower left or right-hand corner of your invitation, or at the bottom centre of the design. Alternatively, you can include it on a separate information or details card, or on your wedding website.

The wedding location

When it comes to mentioning attire on your wedding invitations, one crucial factor to consider is the wedding location. The venue and setting of your wedding will play a significant role in helping your guests understand the appropriate dress code. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you communicate the expected attire based on your wedding location:

If your wedding is taking place in a luxurious ballroom or an upscale country club, guests will naturally expect a more formal affair. In this case, indicating a formal dress code on your invitation is appropriate. For men, this could translate to tuxedos or suits, while women might opt for elegant cocktail dresses or long evening gowns. The ambiance of the venue calls for sophisticated attire.

On the contrary, if you've chosen a laid-back beach or a rustic barn as your wedding venue, a more casual dress code is implied. Guests will likely feel more comfortable dressing down a notch. For a beach wedding, suggest lightweight and flowy attire, such as linen suits for men and breezy sundresses for women. For a barn wedding, suggest attire that aligns with the rustic setting, perhaps incorporating elements like soft florals, subtle earth tones, or comfortable, relaxed silhouettes.

Destination weddings often present unique attire considerations. If your wedding is taking place in a tropical location, guests will need to be informed about the climate and setting. Mentioning attire on the invitation can be particularly helpful for destination weddings as guests may not be familiar with the cultural norms or typical weather patterns of the location. For example, if your wedding is on a tropical island, suggest lightweight and breathable clothing, with the option to bring a light jacket for any ocean breezes.

For weddings held in houses of worship, it's important to consider any specific dress codes or traditions associated with the religious venue. Guests may be expected to dress more modestly, with covered shoulders and knees. Communicating this expectation on your invitation can help ensure that guests are respectful of the religious setting.

Lastly, if you've chosen an outdoor venue, such as a picturesque garden or a vineyard, suggest attire that aligns with the natural surroundings. Guests may appreciate guidance on how to dress comfortably while still looking elegant. Suggest fabrics and colors that complement the outdoor setting, such as soft pastels or vibrant floral prints. Also, consider mentioning comfortable footwear, especially if the ceremony or reception involves walking on grass or uneven terrain.

By providing clear guidance on attire based on your wedding location, you'll help your guests feel informed and confident about what to wear to celebrate your special day.

The time of day

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to provide your guests with enough information so that they know when and where your big day will take place, and they can show up on time. The time of day should be included on your wedding invitations, and there are a few different ways to write it out.

For more traditional or formal wedding invitations, you would write out the time fully, with no numerals. For example, if your wedding begins at 3:30 p.m., you would write "half after three o'clock". If the time is on the hour, you would simply write "three o'clock". The time should be written in all lowercase letters, and you don't need to specify "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening" unless the wedding is scheduled for 8, 9, or 10 a.m. or p.m., where there could be some confusion. If your wedding is at noon, just write "noon".

For more casual weddings, you can write the time of day using numerals, such as "4pm" or "5:30pm". Just remember that the date and time should match in formality—don't write out the date fully and then use numerals for the time.

If your wedding has a specific theme or cultural tradition, you may want to consider adjusting the time of day on your invitations to accommodate any special activities or rituals that will be taking place. For example, if you're having a sunset ceremony, you'll want to choose a time that aligns with the sunset, and inform your guests accordingly.

It's also worth noting that you don't need to include the start times for the ceremony and reception on your wedding invitations. Typically, only the date and time of the ceremony are included. If your reception is immediately following the ceremony in the same location, you can simply write "reception to follow" at the bottom of the invitation. However, if the reception is at a different time and/or location, it's best to include a separate reception card with your invitation suite to share those details.

When deciding on the time of day for your wedding, it's a good idea to give yourself a buffer of at least 30 minutes to account for any last-minute delays or guests who may be running late. This way, you can ensure that your ceremony starts on time, and your guests aren't left waiting too long.

In conclusion, providing a clear and thoughtful indication of the time of day on your wedding invitations is an important aspect of wedding planning. It ensures that your guests have the information they need to arrive punctually and helps to create a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions